Living the Dream

Just living the dream……oh what fun it is to ride and drive and jive! This sweet, little man, my youngest grandson, Bryson, and I are having a great time of summer fun. This is the first time, since my first grandchild 26 years ago, to have alone time for any length of time with one of my other grandchildren. I’m savoring every moment! Usually, our time together includes big brother or one of the parents, but here we are, while big brother is at summer camp in Seattle.

Bryson’s main request while in Tulsa: Incredible Pizza – a place he remembers well and gone away from way too long! We spent several hours there yesterday -- jumping on trampolines, laser tag, and bumper cars (I wasn't jumping OR tagging or bumping, but taking it all in). But, together we rode the go-karts, played miniature golf and lots of games and enjoyed yummy pizza. I listen intently to his musings, his quick little retorts to something silly I said, and to the answer he gave to someone’s question “What’s your favorite school subject?” He said, “Math!” What kid says “math”? I’m thinking…P.E., lunch! I love his desire to impress me with his diving and swimming the length of the pool skills. I love seeing the difference in his miniature golf today (after he’s had many golf lessons from a golf pro versus the non-skilled and, quite frankly, a little bored with the game years ago). I love it when I ask him to pray for our meal and isn’t resistant in any way.

The Michie’s (my dear friends and our Tulsa home) son was by last night and we talked about his 3-year-old and 10-month-old children and I, on my bandwagon, urged him to savor the moments. Yes, I know, when our little ones are little, the days are long and the years go by fast. But even when those days are long, I urged him to stop and listen to their words. Joseph told us that the 3-year old woke him up to tell him “I love you. I’m going to miss you today.” Oh, treasure those words today and tomorrow and for years to come.

It won't be long before this little guy and my little guy will be grown up with families of their own. I know I must sound like a broken record – but I’m passionate about the little things, the simple pleasures, the things that money can’t buy, the beauty of a tender hug and soft kiss on the cheek, a question “Nana, can I sleep with you tonight?’ These special simple pleasures keep reminding me that the greatest blessings on earth come without a price tag.

Treasuring these times, noticing simple pleasures, and counting our blessings. It means learning to live our lives as if everything were a miracle. Tomorrow may never come, so being aware on a continuous basis of how much we've been given. Gratitude shifts our focus from what our life lacks to the abundance of what we already have. Maybe, the best prescription we could take to dispel the common "woe-is-me" attitude is to offer thanksgiving for the "simple pleasures". We just might be re-energized, have new vitality and excitement for this beautiful life that is made up of "simple pleasures"! Mine starts again today -- in a big way when Bryson and I will go see Great Granny, spend time with a little cousin, swim with a friend, climb a tree house, tell silly stories, laugh at Nana singing “Cool Kids” and “What can I say but you’re welcome!” I'll savor it all and hold it all close to my heart because my heart is full and overflowing.

My Unstoppable Nephew

Day 24 of Photo Inspirations -- My UNSTOPPABLE Nephew!!
Of course I seized the moment when I received the telephone call from my Harley Dude nephew, Mark David Lawrence, and he told me he was in Tulsa -- just 10 minutes from my home.  I heard him and his souped-up Harley coming from a distance.  He drove into my quiet 55+ community as subdued as possible -- but that's just not possible when you're packing an engine that burns-with-need to make its presence known!

I smiled with great joy when I went out to meet him.  Why?  This is a man who talked Harley, dreamed Harley, collected Harley memorabilia and wore Harley apparel -- long before he had his Harley.   He evenstarted a ministry in his church called "Gear Heads" that is his online and real life play space.  Gear Heads is a Men's Community Group interested in hot-rods, Harleys or anything with wheels and an engine. They are all about fellowship, ministry, car and bike shows and helping single moms and those in need of mechanical help.

How did it come to pass for this Skilled Nursing Facility Administrator, father of 6 children, 7 grandchildren, devoted husband to an angel, Donna, licensed minister and comedian to achieve his dreams?  It's the principles of God "Believe and you will receive", the Law of Attraction that what you think about, speak about and dream about is magnetically drawn to you -- it just goes into action when we believe with all-out audacious faith and hope and perseverence in our actions, dreams and visions. He was a dreamer extraordinaire.

Just a few months ago -- he finally got his Harley, and I must say "It's a beauty", but more than that -- to see him "living his dream" makes this Auntie so proud I could bust -- especially in that his dreams included being a fully devoted follower of Christ to the world.  His branding is drawing in folks who otherwise would never dart a church door -- but the doors to be a light to them are opening wide.  Yes, you can say...."I am inspired, and this photo reminds me of seed time and harvest.  We planted a lot a seeds into this man.....and the harvest is coming in -- in truckloads....er....Harley loads!"